Teachers Notes for AngelaAngela by James Moloney
SYNOPSIS Angela
concludes James Moloney’s contemporary trilogy dealing with a range of
issues facing Aboriginal society. Narrated by Gracey’s best friend Angela,
it confronts a wide range of personal and social issues for both
girls. Angela and Gracey are first year university students. Here, they
embark on individual journeys that open their eyes to life beyond high
school. New ideologies, influences and peers change their friendship that
was once indestructible. Gracey in particular is trying desperately to
embrace being a Murri, joining an indigenous students’ support group (‘the
Unit’) on campus. While Angela tries to be supportive, Gracey appears to
drift away from all she has known from the ‘white’ world of Angela and
their school days together. Angela
raises many political and race relation issues, particularly with regards
to policy decisions made in the past. The Stolen Generation is the major
focus of this text, although there are many other aspects of white
Angela
presents a diverse range of perspectives on Aboriginal issues affecting
modern THEMES Relationships: ·
Angela and Gracey’s friendship undergoes several trials and
stresses. Angela tries to be supportive and understanding but sometimes
doesn’t fully understand Gracey’s pain and resentment. Gracey needs the
space to feel angry, bitter and disheartened by her people’s past.
·
The girls both find new friendship groups as they begin university.
·
Angela discovers that her grandfather, a church minister, was
involved in removing an Aboriginal child from his mother decades prior.
Their relationship changes as this truth
unfolds. ·
Gracey’s relationship with Angela’s mother, Cheryl, changes as
Gracey becomes more impassioned by her Murri
heritage. ·
Rhonda Haines, a Koori from ‘the Unit’, influences Gracey’s
thinking and emotions. Identity: ·
Gracey has finally embraced being a Murri. She has a new respect
and sense of belonging to her ‘mob’. For Gracey, it is about knowing her
people. ·
Angela discovers things about her own past that shock her. She has
to absorb and accept these things in order to move
forward. ·
Angela learns to accept Gracey’s identity, to stop ignoring that
she’s black and to treat her more like a Murri. This is difficult for her
to understand as she’s always been such a supportive and beautiful friend
to Gracey. They share a genuine love and
bond. Racial Issues: ·
The Stolen Generation ·
Inequality of opportunities for black
Australians ·
Whites trying to ‘colonise’ blacks ·
Whites’ ignorance of Aboriginal customs, tribal
connections ·
Reconciliation Writing
Style Angela narrates this text. It is told in first person, past tense.
This is the only book in the trilogy told through the perspective of a
white character. Angela’s genuine love for her friend and the innocent and
rather naive sentiments of a first year uni student are portrayed
effectively. AUTHOR
MOTIVATION (For you Jim!) STUDY
NOTES: ·
The
inscription page at the start of the book has a quote from well known
Aboriginal leader, Noel Pearson. (ABC Radio, 1997) Older whites want war, older Aborigines want
peace. Young whites want peace, but young blacks want
war. Explain how this quote is
reflected through the telling of Angela.
·
After
finishing Year 12, Gracey is desperate to leave Cunningham and so joins
Angela and her family for a holiday at Noosa. Contrast the world that
Gracey has fled from with that of Noosa, exploring the issues and settings
thoroughly. ·
When
Gracey lives with Angela’s family after starting uni, the reader may feel
a sense of relief and satisfaction with this situation. Why is this? Does
this make the reader guilty of trying to ‘colonise’ Gracey too?
Discuss. ·
Gracey
is quickly influenced by Rhonda Haines. Why do you think Gracey is so
impressionable? ·
Why is
Rhonda Haines so dismissive of Angela? Does Angela deserve this treatment?
Discuss both Rhonda’s and Angela’s
perspectives. ·
Angela
attends a meeting at which she hears some disturbing accounts of the
Stolen Generation. Some white people at the meeting apologise, however
some of the Aborigines don’t accept their apologies. Why is this? Did
Angela have a right to attend this meeting?
Discuss. ·
After
reading a book given to her by Rhonda, Gracey exclaims how the text made
her cry. Rhonda however feels angry rather than sad. (p76) Explain the
difference between these two characters and their reactions to the
situation. ·
Gracey
is confused and upset and after moving out, still takes comfort in
Angela’s company. Angela describes herself as “Ms Comfortable.” (p78)
Explain what James Moloney means by this
statement. ·
Reread
pages 94-95. Gracey is of the perception that Angela can’t possibly
understand the pain experienced by black Australians after the Stolen
Generation. There is much anger and resentment in these pages. Some
interesting arguments from both Gracey and Angela are expressed.
o
Imagine
that you are trying to educate younger children, say around 10 years of
age, what the Stolen Generation issue is about. Create a text suitable for
a picture book that sensitively communicates both Gracey’s and Angela’s
perspectives. (Illustrate this too if
desired.) o
Examine
picture books about this issue.
Below are some examples: §
The
Burnt Stick by Anthony
Hill §
Lowitja by Joan
Cunningham §
Idjhil by Helen Bell o
Look at
picture books that tell a story by using abstract images and unfamiliar
settings such as The
Rabbits by John Marsden and Shaun Tan. Retell the
story of the Stolen Generation in a similar way.
·
Compare
Angela with texts/films such as
Follow the Rabbit-Proof
Fence by Doris
Pilkington ·
Watch
Kevin Rudd’s ‘Sorry Speech’ given shortly after he took office as Prime
Minister. Take particular notice of the groups of Aborigines both inside
Parliament House and outside on the lawns. Write a reflective piece
discussing the significance of this speech to reconciliation in
·
Watch
the Australian Story episodes
“Cry Me a River” (28/5/07) or “ ·
Angela
seems concerned that Nadia could give her young son away to her relatives
to look after. Is there any difference between Nadia doing this and the
government taking children away from their mothers?
Explain. ·
Cheryl
is a little dismissive about the girls attending a protest. She also has
her own opinion on the Stolen Generation issue. Why does Gracey become so
angry with Cheryl? (p102+) Does Cheryl have a valid point or
not? ·
How
does attending Uni change Gracey and Angela? ·
Why
does their ritual of going to ‘The Corner’ stop? What does this reveal
about the girls’ friendship? ·
Gracey
is at first reluctant to attend ‘the Unit’. Why is this? How does ‘the
Unit’ affect the girls’ relationship? ·
Gracey
accuses Angela of trying to ‘colonise’ her. Is this true? Give examples to
support your answer. ·
In
small groups, establish your Reconciliation Plan for the future. Present
your ideas to your classmates.
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